They say money can’t buy you happiness and I do believe that is true. True happiness comes from within. Money can help people get out of some very unhappy situations though. Rick Steves is a guru and travel writer. You may be familiar with his work as a host on the Travel Channel.

He took a different tack when investing his money – he didn’t invest in stocks or bonds or any sort of savings account. Rick invested it into his community and the people! Rick understands that finding an affordable (free) place to sleep is not an easy thing to do.

Rick decided to help some young, single women be successful mothers by purchasing Trinity Place apartment complex back in 2005 – for a whopping $4 million!. The whole idea was to convert the complex into housing for single mothers who needed help.

Rick doesn’t collect any rent and claims that he gets income from the equity the complex! Trinity Place gives mothers who are recovering from drug addiction a stable place to call home. The Rotary Club and YWCA are also involved with Rick to get the families back on their feet.

Just a year ago, Tamara was homeless and had kids in foster care. Thanks to Rick and Trinity Place, the family has been reunited, and Tamara has been able to get her life back in order! You don’t have to spend $4 million to help other people, volunteer your time instead.